Behind the scenes of the Masters of Motors award, how it was made, and how you can win it at the 2018 PRI Show.

How do you make a trophy to reward the most creative, talented, and innovative engine at the 2018 SEMA and PRI shows? You design it on the most sophisticated 3D design software and machine it out of a solid, 130lb block of billet T6061 aluminum.

Here’s a look at how the Masters of Motors trophy was engineered and machined at JE Pistons’ in-house manufacturing facility in Mentor Ohio.

The Masters of Motors trophy began as a solid, 130 pound chunk of aluminum that was meticulous machined into the trophy you see before you.

What is Masters of Motors?

Masters of Motors is a first-of-its-kind award that pits the country's top-engine builders against each other at the 2018 SEMA and PRI shows to win the coveted "Engine-uity" award!

What are the classes?

Engine-uity (overall winner)

Sport Compact

European

Domestic

Race Engine

Nostalgia

Power Adder

Fan Favorite

Between setup, machining, anodizing, and final polish, it took almost two weeks to create the trophy! Machining was handled by Roger Leininger.

Who can win Masters of Motors?

In order to win the 2018 Masters of Motors awards, your engine must be present at the 2018 SEMA and/or PRI show for the judges to see. Any engine is present whether installed in a show vehicle or presented out of a car.

How do I sign up?

SEMA and PRI are very, very big landscapes. To make sure your engine gets noticed you can officially enter the competition to let the judges know where to look. In order to sign up for the 2018 Masters of Motors competition at SEMA, click the link below. An entry form for the 2018 PRI show will be posted at a later date.

The aesthetic artistry of the trophy was the brainchild of Ross Berlanga, while the digital design was the masterwork of Ricardo Puente who expertly crafted it in SOLIDWORKS.

What can I win?

All winners will receive a $1,000 JE Pistons product certificate to be used on any set of JE pistons, rings, or JE Pro Seal gaskets. In addition, the winner of the Engine-uity award will receive the following from supporting manufacturers, a $4,500 sum across all brands.

Dart Machinery- $2,500 toward a cylinder block.

K1 Technologies- $750 toward a crankshaft and connecting rods.

Trend Performance- $250 toward a set of custom pushrods.

In order to keep the trophy scaled right, the pistons are a massive, 6 inches in diamater. They are based on forgings for a BBC. The weight of the completed trophy is still a staggering 80lbs.

The next, official Masters of Motors competition will take place at the 2018 PRI show, and judging will begin at 10:00am on Thursday December 6, 2018. If your engine is nominated, a JE Pistons Entry Form will be left on your vehicle, or an official judge will contact you.

The top 25 finalists will be announced on Thursday, December 6th at 4:00pm (PST) at the JE Pistons booth and the overall and class winners will be presented on Friday December 7th at 11:00am (PST). All participants will need to be in attendance of the 2018 PRI show to win and a representative will also need to present at the awards presentation.